With gas prices topping $3, it is wise to look for alternative rides back and forth to work. Let me present one that is not only good for your wallet, it is good for your health too - yes, bicycle to work.
Is it for you? You have to live within a biking distance (20 miles one-way max, unless you are a professional) from home, in a bike friendly city with bike lanes and should have showers at your work, otherwise biking isn’t for you. If you do have all these necessities, borrow a bike or better yet rent it and ride the bike back and forth to your work on a weekend. Find out for yourself if this is something you can do reasonably well everyday.
Buying Basics: You can get a bike from $50 bucks to five grand but a good commute bike doesn’t cost more than $1500. Anything above has more bells and whistles than things that will make a significant difference in commute time or comfort. I STRONGLY suggest you go to local bicycle shop and get yourself measured and let them pick one depending on your measurements. You don’t have to buy it from there, just get your measurements and then buy it from craigslist or something.
Fine Tuning: If you buy new bike, the guy at the bike shop will fine tune the bike for you. If you buy at a retail store or second hand from a dude then please take the time to get it fine tuned - the tires, seat, handle & the brakes.
Necessary Accessories: Halmet is a must! You have to fall down from a bike to realize how important it can be. I wouldn’t suggest knee pads or elbow pads but if you are a bit paranoid, go for it. Another good thing to invest in is a hydration bag, they are far better than bottles and very convenient. Cost maybe 30-40 bucks. If you end up riding at night wear a reflector or a reflector jacket. If the weather is cold, please wear the necessary gear, don’t get yourself sick trying to pull a stunt.
Riding Basics: Contrary to common belief all traffic rules and regulation that apply to motor cars also apply to cyclists, thus making the stop sign a cyclist worst enemy. Don’t worry about the speed limit in a school zone - only professionals go more than 20 miles an hour. Learn the hand signals, so people know where you intend to go. For every time you go downhill, you have to go up hill, if not immediately, you will see that uphill on your way back. Maximize your speed on a downhill and only take a break if your paddles go free. Use gears when going uphill, tiring yourself in the first 100 yards on a low gear will cost you dearly later on. Tiring yourself trying to make a green light is often rewarding. When crossing a busy intersection, hold your handle near the brakes. Give any parked car at least two door distance when crossing it. Take your cell phone with you, even if you are riding a couple of miles. Construction crew is generally careful but don’t give them the benefit of doubt.
Good Riding Manners: When over taking another cyclist or a pedestrian tell them from which side you intend to cross. A greeting to your fellow cyclist is always a good thing, you never know when they might help you stranded with a puncture. Nodding is the best way to communicate that greeting if the cyclist is going the other way. Take notice of children playing and elderly people walking.
Moral of this thread - We don’t have to go to war for oil, just ride your bike to work.
I am not done with the spell check yet and all of you jumped to respond. I have my four minutes.